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More than 700 backpacks donated during Tools for School campaign

Completed backpacks for the Tools for School program are ready to be deliveredPhoto by Charles Lefebvre

Missy Fandrick with the United Way fills a backpack for the Tools for School campaign on ThursdayPhoto by Charles Lefebvre

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The United Way of Southeastern Alberta is doing its part to ensure students are able to start the school year on the right foot.

The Tools for School campaign wrapped up its main collection drive on Monday. For two weeks in August, the organization partnered with Southland Volkswagen and Southland Kia to collect backpacks filled with school supplies.

More than 700 backpacks were collected and turned over to the United Way on Monday. The organization is currently set up at the Medicine Hat Mall, sorting the supplies based on age groups.

“I’m never disappointed with this community,”said Missy Fandrick, executive director of the United Way of Southeastern Alberta. “They come out every single time. Even people who don’t have a lot volunteer their time. They’re trying to do something to further this program, because everybody knows how important it is for the kids to have the stuff to go back to school.”

The goal is to have 500 backpacks ready for the first day of school on Tuesday, to be picked up by schools and partner associations.

Fandrick adds they’ve seen a gradual reduction in the number of backpacks they’ve handed out. In 2015, the organization handed out more than 800 backpacks.

She adds the United Way will continue to accept backpack donations for kids throughout the school year.